Switzerland tours discovery guide
In Switzerland, gleaming glacial lakes, rushing Alpine rivers, and rolling green hills emerge at every turn, surrounding cities and towns that look like they’ve been lifted straight from a book of fables. Beyond its scenery, the country’s a fondue pot of German, Italian, and French culture. The result: a sensory feast best enjoyed in the company of our group tours.
What to know before you go
POPULATION
Around 9 million people call Switzerland home, and more than three-quarters of the populace lives in a region known as the Central Plateau. Squeezed between the Jura Mountains to the north and the Alps to the south, this hilly plain runs the length of the country, from Lake Geneva to Lake Constance.
CAPITAL
While Zurich is Switzerland’s largest city, Bern is its de facto capital, serving as the seat of the country’s Federal Assembly and Council. By the letter of the law, though, there is no capital—none was explicitly named in the current Swiss constitution.
CULTURAL QUICK TAKE
Switzerland recognizes four national languages: French, German, Italian—spoken in Swiss-specific dialects—and Romansh, a direct descendent of spoken Latin. Not to worry, more than 60% of the population is also fluent in English, and your Tour Director will help fill any gaps in understanding.
WHAT TO GO FOR
The smell of melting raclette cheese floating on the breeze. The sound of water splashing against the hull of a lake ferry. The thrill of a cable car spiriting you up the side of a mountain. Simply step outside—life in Switzerland is its own attraction.
UNIQUE EXPERIENCES ON TOUR
Ride Europe’s highest open-air cogwheel train, stare down at Lucerne from the top of Mount Pilatus, and follow the footsteps of great thinkers and writers through the confines of a lakeside castle.
Switzerland by Train: Lucerne to Zurich
If you’re looking for a cultural deep dive, this tour’s your (train) ticket. Rumble across the countryside by scenic rail, admiring icons like the Matterhorn at every stop. And enjoy the ride: The national train network runs like Swiss clockwork.
Hallo. Ciao. Bonjour.
Besides spoken languages, Switzerland shares a border with Germany, Austria, Italy, and France—making these nations perfect candidates for a multi-country getaway. Plus, seeing more of Europe is always a good thing.
)
Raise a stein to Switzerland (and friends)
Europe loves a party, and whether you’re clinking glasses in an Oktoberfest tent or shopping in a snow-dusted Christmas market, there’s always something to celebrate. Let these Special Event Tours of Switzerland show you how much revelry awaits.
)
)
Booking a tour’s just the tip of the Matterhorn
You could wait for inspiration to strike—or let our team of experts show you how magical a Switzerland itinerary can be.
Your ultimate Switzerland Travel Guide: what to see & do
The title says it all. Scout ahead and get the insider’s take on the very best of Switzerland. (An extra tip: Pack your swimsuit!)
Charming lakes and towns to visit in Switzerland
Roughly 1,500 lakes dot the Swiss landscape and countless delightful towns have cropped up on their shores. These are some of our favorites.
Signature experiences for your memory vault. Why don’t you...
Scale the heights of a mythical peak
Trek up and down Mount Pilatus by cogwheel train and gondola, stopping at its pinnacle to peer out at the idyllic landscapes surrounding Lucerne. Try it on our A Week in Switzerland, Germany & Austria tour.
)
Treat yourself at the Top of Europe
Take a train to Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station on the continent, and spring for Swiss goodies at the mountaintop Lindt Chocolate Shop. Try it on our Switzerland by Train: Lucerne to Zurich tour.
Sip wine on the shores of Lake Geneva
Visit the terraced vineyards of the Lavaux region—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and sample a batch of wines in a local cellar. Try it on our Switzerland by Train: Lucerne to Zurich tour.
)
Take a bite out of Swiss-Italian culture
Explore the landmarks surrounding Lake Maggiore before stopping for lunch at a grotto, a type of restaurant typical of the region. Try it on the Lugano extension of our Switzerland by Train: Lucerne to Zurich tour.
Pick your perfect trip
We offer 200+ immersive, guided tours around the world. Wherever you choose to go, you’ll enjoy lots of advantages that make traveling with us different.
Put just $99 down
That’s all it takes to secure a spot on one
of our group tours when you sign up for
AutoPay. Plus, you can pay in interest-free,
monthly installments.
Prep your packing list
While you’re deciding what to take, we’ll be busy arranging your hotels, meals, tickets, and more tour essentials. That’s what going guided is all about.
Go far (and get rewarded)
Take off on your big adventure— but why stop there? Every trip you book with us earns rewards that you can use to keep expanding your horizons.
Looking beyond the Alps?
If you’re casting your eyes over the rest of Central Europe, these tours spotlight Switzerland’s neighbors: Austria, the Czech Republic, and other regional standouts.
